The Cottontail Rabbit By Emma Castaneda Cottontail rabbit

The Cottontail Rabbit By: Emma Castaneda

Cottontail rabbit- What is it? The cottontail rabbit is a mammal spread from Canada down the East Coast, all the way South to South America. It is the most distinctive and widespread wild rabbit species. • Size- 15 -18 inches • Weight- 2 -4 pounds • Life Span- From 1 -3 years • Diet- Cotton tail rabbits are Herbivores

Adaptations? Being the size it is, the cottontail rabbit has many predators and is very vulnerable. However, it also has many adaptions. Adaptations such as long hind legs and camouflage help the rabbit survive!

Camouflage The cotton tail rabbit uses camouflage to hide from its predators. In the summer or spring when the surroundings in its habitat are green and brown, the rabbit takes the color of its surroundings. However, in the winter, the animal takes on a grey or white coat. This helps it to blend in with the barren or snow covered ground.

What’s Flushing? Flushing is a tactic the cottontail rabbit uses to avoid predators. Have you ever seen a rabbit and it freezes? Well that is flushing. The rabbit freezes and does not move or make a sound with a hope that the predator will notice it. However, if the rabbit is spotted, it will dart away and run in a zig – zag motion. The rabbit can reach up to 18 mph and jump 8 ft. high! I guess this bunny doesn’t want to be lunch!

Super Power Legs!!! The cotton tail rabbit has another adaptation that gives it “super hero” power. It has longer hind legs than front legs. This allows the rabbit to run extremely fast and jump very high so it can avoid predators.

That’s all folks!!!